Heroism main theme in beowulf

The scriptural reference, however, are restricted to the Old Testament rather than the New. Beowulf defends his reputation with such grace and persuasion that he wins the confidence of King Hrothgar and the rest of the Danes. Beowulf is the greatest of the heroes depicted in the poem not only because he has the greatest prowess in battle.

Although Beowulf is in some respects a Christian poem, its social code emphasizes justice rather than mercy. When he first spends the night in Heorot waiting for Grendel, he refuses to keep a weapon.

Grendel left only his claw as a cheap compensation. As he prepares to meet the dragon, near the end of the poem, now King Beowulf again considers his reputation. He looks after his people and is always gracious and kind. She attacks Heorot because someone there killed her son.

In fact, the Heathobards do later burn Heorot in events not covered by the poem but probably familiar to its audience. Hrothgar even remembers Beowulf as a child.

They are being attacked in their own sanctuary. Upon his return to Geatland, Beowulf ff. Although he and Wiglaf kill the dragon, the king dies.

Various blood-feuds in the past are alluded to many times in the poem. Beowulf then seeks his own revenge by going after the dragon. He must reward his thanes with valuable gifts for their defense of the tribe and their success in battle.

Rough seas then drove them apart, and Beowulf had to kill nine sea monsters before going ashore in the morning. Beowulf is someone who is discussed across the lands. Beowulf had, ironically speaking, tried to be the perfect host; but he wanted the entire ogre body as his tip.

Queen Hygd offers Beowulf the throne after her husband dies, thinking that her young son Heardred is unable to protect the kingdom; Beowulf refuses and serves the young king faithfully. It also means that the warrior must fulfill his obligations to the group of which he is a key member.

He believes he can beat the monster who has devoured many men without one. He has the virtues of a civilized man, as well as the strength of the warrior. The outcome of battles is attributed to the judgment of God, and Beowulf puts his trust in God. In turn, Beowulf will present these treasures to his own king, Hygelac, who will then honor Beowulf with appropriate gifts.

This is why the coming of Grendel is so traumatic for the Danes. He points out that he swam with Breca for five nights, not wanting to abandon the weaker boy. Beowulf is skeptical, envisioning a renewal of hostilities.

This practice is alluded to in the lines about Grendel, who would not stop his killing, Nor pay the death-price. The warriors must be prepared for battle at all times.

Revenge also motivates the many feuds that the poet refers to and is a way of life — and death — for the Germanic tribes.

The awareness that a feud is about to reopen supplies much of the foreboding that is apparent at the end of the poem, for example. Beowulf himself represents the Anglo-Saxon heroic ideal because of his feats, strength, and courage, but also because of his intelligence and honor.

No consellor could ever expect Fair reparation from those rabid hands. Reputation is also the single quality that endures after death, his one key to immortality.

He proves his strength by killing multiple monsters, including Grendel and the dragon who eventually kills him.

Old enmities die hard and often disrupt attempts at peace, as the poet recognizes. Wealhtheow shares in the gift giving and is the perfect hostess.

Grendel seeks revenge upon mankind for the heritage that he has been dealt. But the thanes have their obligation too.Heroism as the Main Theme of Beowulf Essay Words | 11 Pages.

Heroism as the Main Theme of Beowulf The main theme of Beowulf is heroism. This involves far more than physical courage.

It also means that the warrior must fulfil his obligations to the group of which he is a key member.

The main theme of Beowulf is heroism. This involves far more than physical courage. It also means that the warrior must fulfill his obligations to the group of which he is a key member/5(1). Heroism is very important in Beowulf. Beowulf is a fierce and skillful warrior and feels obligated and responsible for defending his people and he does so with absolute determination and with bravery.

(Click the themes infographic to download.) In many ways, Beowulf is the simplest kind of epic there is. It's about the conflict between a courageous, mighty, loyal warrior and the demons and. The main theme of Beowulf is heroism.

This involves far more than physical courage. It also means that the warrior must fulfill his obligations to the group of which he is a key member. In Beowulf, the major themes reflect the values and the motivations of the characters.

One of the central themes of Beowulf, embodied by its title character, is loyalty.